Will weather force MLB into dramatic Red Sox vs Cubs schedule change?

Will weather force MLB into dramatic Red Sox vs Cubs schedule change?

Key points

• The Cubs, nevertheless, are in a three-way tie with the Padres and Phillies for the National League three wild-card spots with 87-70 records.
• Bob Nightengale breaks down the NL Wild Card race as the Phillies, Cubs and Padres fight for playoff positioning in the season's final days.
• Phillies, Cubs and Padres battle down to the wire in NL Wild Card race.
• The series is much more significant to the Cubs and the NL wild-card race than the Red Sox.
• The Cubs have the tiebreaker advantage against the Phillies and Padres if they finish in a tie.

Major League Baseball, fearing that a storm could postpone at least one or two games of the three-game series between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, are discussing the possibility of having the two teams play a doubleheader Friday at Fenway Park and a single game on Saturday – concluding the regular season a day early – an MLB official informed USA TODAY Sports.

Notably, the person spoke on the condition of anonymity since no decision has been finalized.

For context, the two teams have each informed MLB that they would prefer playing a doubleheader Friday instead of a potential makeup game on Monday, just one day ahead of the postseason, with the Red Sox already clinching a berth and the Cubs' magic number at one entering Wednesday.

Notably, the series is much more significant to the Cubs and the NL wild-card race than the Red Sox. This person have all but mathematically clinched the No. 5 seed in the AL with a wild-card matchup against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

More: Umpire calls out 'nasty' MLB climate as he ends storied career Exclusive.

In practice, the Cubs, nevertheless, are in a three-way tie with the Padres and Phillies for the National League three wild-card spots with 87-70 records. The team that finishes with the best record among the three would be the No. 4 seed, and host the best-of-three wild-card series beginning Tuesday. The No. 5 seed would face the No. 4 seed on the road while the No. 6 seed would play Atlanta at Truist Park.

Meanwhile, the Cubs have the tiebreaker advantage against the Phillies and Padres if they finish in a tie.

In 2024, weather forced MLB into scheduling a doubleheader between the New York Mets and Atlanta a day after the regular season concluded, with both teams ultimately clinching playoff spots in the twinbill. Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

For now, will weather force MLB into dramatic Red Sox vs Cubs schedule change? Remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.